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Marc Albrighton believes Manchester City are better placed than Arsenal to secure the Premier League title this season, pointing to City’s form and mentality. City can move top on goal difference if they beat Burnley on Wednesday, following their 2-1 victory over Arsenal on Sunday.
Arsenal currently lead City by three points, but City have a game in hand that could level the points. Albrighton feels the pressure now shifts, with every remaining fixture carrying extra weight for both teams, especially given City’s history in tight title races.
Pep Guardiola’s record when chasing league leaders is strong. Across his managerial career, Guardiola has overseen seven wins from eight matches when his side sit second and face the team on top. All four
such fixtures in the Premier League have ended in victories, matching Alex Ferguson’s tally.
City also enter the decisive period in strong form. They are unbeaten in their last 10 Premier League games, winning seven and drawing three. That sequence is their longest league run without defeat this season, suggesting momentum is building at a critical stage of the campaign.
Albrighton speaks from experience of a tense title chase. The midfielder was key to Leicester City’s 2016 Premier League triumph, when Leicester resisted Tottenham’s challenge. Albrighton played in all 38 league matches, starting 34, scoring twice and providing six assists during that season.
Having retired from professional football in 2024, Albrighton now assesses this title race from distance. The former Leicester player sees similarities with past run-ins, but regards City’s relentless approach, and recent results against Arsenal, as major factors that could swing the 2025-26 Premier League campaign.
Right now, I'd put Man City [to win the title], Albrighton told Stats Perform. I'll be honest. I know it's good to have points on the board. Arsenal are still three points ahead and obviously City have got that game in hand, which is now, every game is a must-win.
Good vibes pic.twitter.com/FRU9FmXNXwManchester City (@ManCity) April 21, 2026
But I just think there's got to be a psychological factor in it, which I think will play its part. I think obviously the cup final win over them and now that win, if there's one team that you don't want to chase you down towards the end of a season, it's Man City. I think they've showed time and time again how ruthless they are. They just seem to be clicking into gear at the right time. I think City will go on and win it. But I still think there's a couple of twists and turns yet. I don't think the drama is going to be so straightforward.
Albrighton’s comments underline how recent head-to-head results and psychological pressure could influence the Manchester City Premier League title race with Arsenal. With City’s unbeaten streak, Guardiola’s record in similar situations and a game in hand, the final weeks of the 2025-26 season appear set for further tension.
